Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow

Inspection of Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow The Old School, The Fairstead, Scottow, Norfolk NR10 5AQ

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children are eager to enter this warm and nurturing nursery. Staff greet them with a warm and enthusiastic welcome and create a stimulating environment with engaging activities that spark children's curiosity. Children understand and respond well to the high expectations set by staff, who act as calm, reassuring role models. Staff speak to children with respect and take a gentle, attentive approach. They consistently offer praise and encouragement, recognising each child's achievements. Children are impeccably well behaved and are kind and considerate to their peers, share and take turns and offer help to one another during activities.

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The provision is good

Children are deeply engaged throughout their play while using Montessori equipment. For example, they carefully trace sandpaper letters with their fingers as they match each letter to the corresponding object. They show high levels of concentration as they skilfully transfer water using a large dropper. These activities support the development of coordination and strengthen fine motor skills effectively. Staff support children to develop their early literacy skills and express their imaginations. Children excitedly gather around staff and re-enact the story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'. They are provided with props, such as character figures and different sized beds. Children use language such as 'big, medium' and 'small'. This reinforces their understanding of the story and introduces early mathematical concepts.

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need to do better?

n The manager and staff are committed to providing high-quality care and education, following a Montessori philosophy curriculum. They work closely with parents to gather key information when children first join, enabling them to understand each child's individual needs. Staff consistently monitor children's progress, swiftly identifying any gaps in their development and quickly implement targeted support. They use additional funding to meet children's individual needs. This includes for instance purchasing additional resources that further enhance children's experiences. This ensures every child makes consistently good progress. n Staff support children's communication and language development effectively. They speak calmly and give children time to think and respond to their questions. Staff introduce new words to support children to build on their vocabulary and explain these new words clearly. For instance, they 'predict' what

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need to do better?

will happen as they explore which resources will float or sink in the water and discuss how a sponge is 'saturated'. As a result, children become confident and expressive communicators. n Staff place a strong emphasis on promoting children's independence, self-care and practical life skills. Children are encouraged to make choices for themselves.

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need to do better?

17 September 2025 They select and engage in activities independently from open shelves, place them onto a mat and then return them once finished. They demonstrate perseverance when dressing for outdoor play and show responsibility by wiping their noses and disposing of tissues appropriately. Children independently pour their own drinks, cut with scissors and sweep and carry out tasks, such as washing up after snack. n Staff use every opportunity to help children to understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Every morning, children participate in exercise during group time and discuss how it makes their bodies feel. They have ample opportunities to play outside every day in the well-resourced garden, where children get to build on their physical skills. Children learn about healthy food options and harvest vegetables from their garden to eat for snack. Staff teach children about good oral health and the importance of brushing their teeth.

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need to do better?

n The management team and staff have developed strong parent partnerships. Parents speak very positively about the setting and comment that each staff member demonstrates a deep commitment to the children's unique needs and personalities. They feel well informed about what their children are learning and comment how they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to progress well when they go to school. Parents explain that staff provide a secure, stimulating and compassionate environment that enables children to thrive. n The management team demonstrates strong leadership and a clear commitment to achieving the best outcomes for all children. They work collaboratively with staff, children and families to create a supportive and inclusive environment. The management team conducts regular supervisions and appraisals of staff, which help them to feel valued and supported in their roles. Staff complete mandatory

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need to do better?

and in-house training. However, the management team do not yet make full use of professional development opportunities to continually enhance staff's teaching skills to build on children's knowledge and skills during play.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n build on the arrangements for staff training to further develop their teaching skills and raise the already good quality of education to the highest possible level.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY375401 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10399189 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 30 Number of children on roll 49 Name of registered person Halkyard, Fiona Dawn

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reference number

Telephone number 01692 436446 Date of previous inspection 22 November 2019

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Information about this early years setting

Brightstart Montessori Nursery, Scottow registered in 2008 and is located in Norfolk. The nursery opens Monday to Friday from 8.50am until 3.20pm, during term time only. On Tuesday and Thursday, an extended 'twilight hour' is offered from 3.20pm until 4.20pm for children who receive the relevant funding. The provider is a qualified teacher and employs six members of staff, who work directly with the children. Of these, five hold qualifications at level 3. The nursery provides government funded childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want the children to learn. n The inspector talked to staff and children at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out joint observations of a group activity with the manager. n Parents shared their views of the nursery with the inspector through verbal and written feedback. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

17 September 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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